“I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint – and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.” ―Oprah Winfrey.

Credit: ketekete.com

Meet Ufot Ekong, the man who has done Africa proud by discovering his calling and exploring it to the benefit of others.

Ufot studied Robotics and Electrical Engineering at Tokai University, Tokyo, Japan and emerged the best all round graduating student of the institution in the session. He graduated with First Class Honours, breaking a 50 year record. It was the first time a Nigerian could achieve this feat since 1965.

You may be tempted to imagine that the 30 year old had a smooth drive to success, but then you’d be wrong. Ufot had a rough ride, yet he was determined to hit the high mark, and so he went on relentlessly.

Although he had to take on two jobs to be able to see himself through school, Ufot distinguished himself and won several awards including the Japanese language best student award. Also in his first semester, he solved a mathematical equation that couldn’t be solved 30 years ago.

Credit: ketekete.com

Ufot is also a Saxophone master and the director of Strictly African Japan, an African retail wears and accessories shop.

More interestingly, the world class innovator has developed two patented products. For his project, he made an electric car that goes as fast as 128 kilometres per hour, which he plans to drive on May 29, in Abuja, Nigeria to celebrate incoming president Buhari’s inauguration. The car drives on charged batteries.

Credit: ketekete.com

Ufot has been employed by Nissan and is currently pursuing a Phd. He simply carved his own niche and made the most of it.

Nothing will be difficult for one whose mind is set to achieve greatness. If you can see it, then you can achieve it. Strive for greatness!

Lovelyn Okafor is a Journalist/Writer, Poet, Lawyer and God-Lover. She enjoys a good read and sees everyday as an opportunity to live and enjoy her calling whilst working towards perfecting it. She believes that someday soon, Africa will reach her full potential as the light-bearer of the world.
You can find her on Twitter: @lovelyn_o